The Ministry for Social Development (MSD) is responsible for:
- providing income support and superannuation services
- providing employment services and support
- designing and delivering community services in conjunction with others
- allocating funding to community service providers
- providing student allowances and loans
- providing public housing assistance and services
- being the primary provider of social policy and advice to Government
- monitoring three Crown entities and providing advice to the responsible Minister
- hosting Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People, Te Kāhui Kāhu (Social Services Accreditation), the Office for Seniors, the Ministry of Youth Development (MYD) and the Aroturuki Tamariki (Independent Children’s Monitor)
- ensuring the legislation we administer is effective and fit-for-purpose
- working with other agencies and the wider social sector to support Government priorities and improve the wellbeing of all New Zealanders.
To find out more about MSD’s services visit their website.
Work and Income (WINZ) is a division of MSD. It operates as the main public-facing agency for financial assistance, benefits, and employment services, while functioning under the overall.
Disability Support Services (DSS) is a business unit within MSD responsible for funding and administering essential disability support for roughly 50,000 New Zealanders and equipment services for over 100,000 others. It transferred from Whaikaha in September 2024, and is the unit who contracts and creates policy for Needs Assessment Service Coordination Services (NASCs), Hosts and Residential Services for people under the age of 65 years.